Current Intern/Leadership Opportunities
We encourage all students and their families to check the PHS Intern/Leadership Opportunities webpage weekly to view any and all new opportunities that are open to PHS students to apply to. On this page specifically, we try to provide information on Internship and Leadership Opportunities that become available for students to apply to. These are wonderful experiences that enhance student engagement and leadership exposure, which always looks impressive on resume and future job/college/scholarship applications.
Click HERE to view the list of the Intern/Leadership Opportunities that were posted on the PHS Scholarships Webpage during the 2024-25 school year. There is no guarantee that each of these opportunities will be available again for the 25-26 school year; however, we are hopeful that they will be and that the timeframes will be similar of their application availability as they were last school year!
Below are mostly local, state, and/or some national Internship/Leadership Opportunities that are currently available for students to apply to:
1) 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program (posted on 8/14/25)
-The 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn directly from our nation’s leaders in Washington D.C. The application window is open from August 11th to September 30th. High school juniors or seniors may apply provided they meet all program qualifications as outlined by the U.S. Senate Youth Program.
-Application Link: 2026 USSYP Application
-Verification Forms: Click Here – please see the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 to obtain these signatures.
-Student Application Guidance: Click Here
-National USSYP Brochure: Click Here
-Applications must be submitted online by 5pm on September 30th.
2) UNG National Leadership Challenge Weekend (posted on 9/8/25)
-The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Corps of Cadets will host their National Leadership Challenge (NLC) Weekend on October 31st – November 2nd for JROTC cadets and other high school students (grades 9th-12th) who are considering a military program in college. Selected students will rappel down a sheer rock cliff at the Army's Mountain Ranger Camp in Dahlonega, construct a rope bridge across a mountain stream, negotiate obstacle and leadership reaction course elements, observe demonstrations by UNG cadet organizations, and meet some of our cadets.
-NLC Weekend is offered twice per year (fall and spring), and space is limited to 200 students. Students in grades 9th through 12th are all welcomed to apply.
-Click HERE to review the eligibility requirements and to access the online application if you are interested in this opportunity.
-Although no deadline is specified on their website, it is encouraged that you complete your online application by 10/25.
3) 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program (posted on 9/8/25)
- Any high school senior may complete the application, provided they meet all program qualifications outlined by the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The Student Informational Brochure includes information on the application criteria and the two required essays. This is a national recognition program and the state of Georgia is only permitted to nominate 20 students to the US Dept. of Education for this federal program opportunity.
-Click HERE to access the online application form.
-Required Verification Forms: Please see the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 for the verification forms and to retrieve the required signatures.
-U.S. Presidential Scholars Website.
-The deadline to submit this online application and all of its required documents is 5pm on November 1st.
4) Keep Pickens Beautiful (KPB) Teen Squad Volunteer Opportunity
-Want to earn volunteer hours by helping Keep Pickens Beautiful? Then this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! You will earn volunteer hours while working outdoors to beautify your community by planting and maintaining gardens, helping with special events, and participating in community clean-ups.
-Click HERE to register now as a KPB Teen and to sign up for volunteer hours that will be available on Sundays from 2-4pm.
5) Talking Rock Events Committee (TREC) Volunteer Opportunities
-The lovely Talking Rock Community hosts several events throughout the year and is looking for volunteer help.
-For more information and how to sign up to volunteer, please email the Talking Rock Events Committee at events@talkingrockga.com or call/text them at 706-851-9152 (if you text, then please provide your name in the message).
The following is a list of intern/leadership opportunities that were posted and the deadlines have since passed:
1) Youth Leadership Pickens 25-26 (posted on 8/6/25 and the deadline was 8/15/25).
2) Georgia State School Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Application (posted on 8/1/25 and the deadline was 9/5/25).